Genetic access and connectional assays of mouse inhibitory cortical cell types

NIH RePORTER · NIH · R34 · $812,818 · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

Project Summary The function of the nervous system is dependent on complex interactions between networks of neurons composed of multiple neuron types. Understanding how these networks function both in health and disease is dependent on understanding the precise connectivity between specific neuron types and their functional interactions in the intact brain. It is therefore apparent that, in order to have an adequate understanding of the nervous system, it is necessary to have detailed descriptions of neuronal connectivity with the same level of precision at which these systems operate and to selectively manipulate and measure the activity of specific cell types in the context of the normal functioning network. The research proposed here is aimed first at revealing the detailed connectivity of inhibitory cortical neurons by developing and using a novel monosynaptic rabies circuit tracing strategy in which input neuron types are classified using single cell sequencing. The work will also develop and use a novel high throughput strategy for identification of cell type specific enhancer elements. The approach used will identify enhancers that can drive transgene expression in specific types of inhibitory cortical neurons. Together these studies will allow the development and testing of new hypotheses about the functional contributions of specific inhibitory cortical neuron types to perception,cognition and behavior.

Key facts

NIH application ID
9985641
Project number
1R34NS116885-01
Recipient
SALK INSTITUTE FOR BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Principal Investigator
EDWARD M CALLAWAY
Activity code
R34
Funding institute
NIH
Fiscal year
2020
Award amount
$812,818
Award type
1
Project period
2020-04-15 → 2022-09-30